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Community Corner

Kennesaw Council Member Gets Invitation to White House for "Fit City" Efforts

     Kennesaw City Council member Cris Eaton Welsh has been invited to represent her community in a celebration with 100 municipal leaders and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House on July 10.

     The event celebrates the “Let’s Move” cities, towns and counties program through the National League of Cities, said Welsh, who has been instrumental in beginning the “Fit City Kennesaw” initiative. “Fit City Kennesaw” is a city-wide initiative launched in 2012 to address the increasing rate of obesity and concerns over the health of Kennesaw residents.

    “Childhood obesity is a priority,” said Welsh.  “This is the first generation of children who are not expected to outlive their parents.  I am honored to represent the Kennesaw community in this effort.”

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     Prior to the celebration at the White House, Welsh will be in a small group of 20 municipal leaders meeting with the U. S. Dept of Health and Human Services to discuss implementation, collaboration and improvements for local municipalities incorporating wellness and movement programs. Dr. Jeff Drobney, Kennesaw’s assistant city manager, will be making the trip as well, said Welsh, “because he has been the biggest champion of our Fit City Kennesaw initiative.”

     One of Kennesaw’s healthy programs for children is “Kilometer Kids,” an initiative sponsored by the Atlanta Track Club, which meets twice weekly at Swift-Cantrell Park.  Welsh has been very involved in recruiting volunteer coaches and working with children of all ages to change their exercise and dietary habits. With about 150 children participating in the community recreation program, “Kilometer Kids” is here to stay in Kennesaw, said Welsh.

     “It’s a great program, and we encourage early-morning runs together and participation in local events in the area,” said Welsh, who can be seen leading the group during runs around town, along with other parents and volunteers. “This program is a passion of mine because it helps build healthier residents for our future.”

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     For more information on the “Fit City Kennesaw” or “Kilometer Kids” programs, visit www.fitcitykennesaw.com or www.kilometerkids.org.  




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